Author Question: An involuntarily committed client, when offered a dinner tray, pushes it off the bedside table onto ... (Read 59 times)

hubes95 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

An involuntarily committed client, when offered a dinner tray, pushes it off the bedside table onto the floor. Which intervention should a nurse prioritize to address this behavior?

A. Initiate forced medication protocol.
B. Help the client to explore the source of anger.
C. Ignore the act to avoid reinforcing the behavior.
D. With staff support and a show of solidarity, set firm limits on the behavior.

Question 2

A wife brings her husband to an emergency department after an attempt to hang himself. He is a full-time student and works 8 hours at night to support his family. He states, I can't function any longer under all this stress.

Which type of crisis is the client experiencing? A. Maturational/developmental crisis
B. Psychiatric emergency crisis
C. Anticipated life transition crisis
D. Traumatic stress crisis

pocatato · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
The most appropriate nursing intervention is to set firm limits on the behavior. Pushing food onto the floor does not warrant forced medication because the behavior is not a direct safety concern. Exploring the source of anger may be appropriate after the client has gained emotional control. Ignoring the act may further upset the client and does not reinforce appropriate behavior.

Answer to Question 2

B
The nurse should determine that the client is experiencing a psychiatric emergency crisis. Psychiatric emergencies occur when crisis situations result in severe impairment, incompetence, or inability to assume personal responsibility.